Noema James.

James is a personal tribute to someone who meant a lot to me.

There is no better way to say how much I loved my grandfather, James. There is no better way to continue feeling his protection and love. Always with me, in my mind; I only need to close my eyes.

I have always liked talking about my grandfather. "Com estás, ropit?" he would say (’ropit’ is a cute name for someone small and free like a robin). He worked hard to give us all a better life, even when he couldn't.

He was from a small village in Mallorca, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. A town in the middle of nowhere, where nothing ever happens but life, a slow life, a brilliant life. He left town to go to the "big" city of Palma at the age of fourteen. He worked as a waiter for many years. Enough years to build his own business, to impress my grandmother, and to live a life together.

My grandfather was forty-seven when I was born to very young parents, but he soon became the only man of value in our lives. He was a strong man. Perhaps the strongest. He worked harder than most. He loved us enormously.

Life happened to us all. We went through ups and downs, good and bad experiences. Some of these experiences shaped my character, but my grandfather was a constant. When the time came, he walked me down the aisle, proud and with love.

One thing has made it clear to me: everything is always subject to change. He is no longer physically with me, but he is in my world.

T'estim. Noema.

To my two older daughters: thank you for agreeing to be part of this campaign. Having you both there made it feel less like a shoot and more like a Saturday.

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